14 January 2015 Daily Saints, Bible Readings, Reflections, Prayer, Promise & Praise..... SAINT SAVA Abbot and Patron of Serbia (+ 1255) Sava was the son of Stephen I, founder of the Nemanydes dynasty, and also known as Sabas. He became a monk on Mount Athos in Greece when he was seventeen. With his father, who abdicated in 1196, he founded Khilandrai Monastery on Mount Athos for Serbian monks and became Abbot. He returned home in 1207 when his brothers, Stephen II and Vulkan, began to quarrel, and civil war broke out. Sava brought many of his monks with him, and from the headquarters he established at Studenitsa Monastery, he founded several monasteries and began the reformation and education of the country, where religion and education had fallen to a low estate. He was named metropolitan of a new Serbian hierarchy by Emperor Theodore II Laskaris at Nicaea; was consecrated, though for political reasons unwillingly, by Patriarch Manuel I in 1219; returned home bringing more monks from Mount Athos; and in 1222 crowned his brother Stephen II King of Serbia. Through his efforts, he finished the uniting of his people that had been begun by his father, translated religious works into Serbian, and gave his people a native clergy and hierarchy. He made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, was later sent on a second visit there on an ecclesiastical mission, and died on the way back at Tirnovo, Bulgaria, on January 14. He is the patron of Serbia. Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 307 Reading 1 Heb 2:14-18 Nre Since the children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 R. (8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. or: R. Alleluia. Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. or: R. Alleluia. Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. or: R. Alleluia. You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. or: R. Alleluia. He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations— Which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. or: R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 10:27 R. Alleluia, alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 1:29-39 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a They immeiately told him about her. He apoched, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. Reflections: Who do you take your troubles to? Jesus disciples freely brought their troubles to him because they found him ready and able to deal with any difficulty, affliction, or sickness which they encountered. When Simon brought Jesus to his home, his mother-in-law was instantly healed because Jesus heard Simons prayer. Jerome, an early church bible scholar and translator (c. 347-420), reflects on this passage: Can you imagine Jesus standing before your bed and you continue sleeping? It is absurd that you would remain in bed in his presence. Where is Jesus? He is already here offering himself to us. In the middle, he says, among you he stands, whom you do not recognize (Cf. John 1:26) The kingdom of God is in your midst (Mark 1:15). Faith beholds Jesus among us. If we are unable to seize his hand, let us prostrate ourselves at his feet. If we are unable to reach his head, let us wash his feet with our tears. Our repentance is the perfume of the Savior. See how costly is the compassion of the Savior. Do you allow Jesus to be the Lord and healer in your personal life, family, and community? Approach the Lord with expectant faith. Gods healing power restores us not only to health but to active service and care of others. There is no trouble he does not want to help us with and there is no bondage he cant set us free from. Do you take your troubles to him with expectant faith that he will help you? Lord Jesus Christ, you have all power to heal and to deliver from harm. There is no trouble nor bondage you cannot overcome. Set me free to serve you joyfully and to love and serve others generously. May nothing hinder me from giving myself wholly to you and to your service... GIVE HIM THE KEY TO THE CITY Before long the whole town was gathered outside the door. Mark 1:33 Bethsaida was like most towns. Many of its people through fear of death had been slaves their whole life long (Heb 2:15). Of course, there were many who were variously afflicted (Mk 1:34), including Simons mother-in-law who lay ill with a fever (Mk 1:30). Also, demons had oppressed the people of Bethsaida for as long as anyone could remember (see Mk 1:34). However, this day was going to be different. Jesus came to town and demons, sickness, and fear left town. This was the best day in Bethsaidas history. Jesus got up very early the next morning. His Father told Him not to stay at Bethsaida but to move on to the neighboring villages and proclaim the good news there also (Mk 1:38). Jesus is willing to come to your town. Will you give Him the key to the city and the key to your heart? Let Jesus be Lord of your life and your town. Prayer: Father, I will let You have Your way. Promise: Rising early the next morning, He went off to a lonely place in the desert; there He was absorbed in prayer. Mk 1:35 Praise: A local church gave witness to Jesus as members processed together praying the rosary walking from one end of town to the other in a pro-life march...
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 02:34:21 +0000
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